Interview Abdul Basit Khan - Deputy Coordinator Supply Chain, MSF

Can you tell us a bit more about who you are, your career path and what you're doing now? 

My name is Basit, and I am from of Pakistan. I am an Anthropologist by education and a Supply Chain Specialist by profession. I am working with MSF for almost 13 years now.  I started my career with MSF in 2012 as “Data Processing Officer (LHS)”. Later, I became an expatriate in 2020. Currently, I am working with OCB as “Deputy Coordinator Supply Chain”. 

Where are you currently based, and how does this affect your involvement with MSF Luxembourg?

I am based in Nigeria. My involvement with MSF Luxembourg is really amazing and I keep in touch time to time with our Luxembourg Association. As I am based in Nigeria enables me to contribute remotely, though it may also present some challenges in terms of time zone difference, and physical distance from key events. Despite this, I am committed to supporting MSF Luxembourg and I am actively engaged in as a member and volunteer. 

If you had to sum up in one sentence what MSF means to you, what would you say?

When I start my day in the office, I always tell my team what the target is for today, how many babies you will indirectly save today as a support department. So for me, MSF is all about saving lives in the field, where there are natural disasters, man-made disasters, epidemics or exclusion from health care. MSF does its best regardless of race, religion or political affiliation.

Can you tell us how and when you joined MSF Luxembourg?

I joined MSF Luxembourg in 2015, I was really interested to be part of MSF Luxembourg, and I had a desire to contribute to humanitarian efforts around the globe. 

What do you find most rewarding, and most challenging, about your involvement with MSF Luxembourg?

My involvement with MSF Luxembourg, I find the most rewarding aspect to be the opportunity to contribute to life-saving activities around the globe, which make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a dedicated and impactful association. I did not find it challenging, but I am personally impressed by the engagement of the MSF Luxembourg Association with its members around the globe.

What is your role within MSF Luxembourg and how do you contribute in practical terms to the organisation's various projects?

My current role with MSF Luxembourg is that of a 'Member' only, but my voice is heard, and my inputs are valued by our association. I work in the field with multi-cultural ethnicities, and I strive to ensure that our donors’ funding (every individual’s contribution) is being spent on vulnerable beneficiaries. Our strategies are aligned with the goal of delivering critical care to those who need it most. I am passionate about my role, as it allows me to directly support our MSF missions that provide medical care in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

How do you think we could strengthen the links between MSF Luxembourg members and with the MSF movement as a whole?

Strengthening the links between MSF Luxembourg members and the whole MSF movement is essential to build a more cohesive and impactful association.

Flow of Communication: Establishing more frequent channels for sharing updates, achievements, and challenges within the MSF Luxembourg community could help members feel more connected.

Collaboration: I would suggest encouraging collaborative projects between MSF Luxembourg and other MSF associations to foster greater knowledge exchange. This could include trainings, workshops, or strategic planning discussions that strengthen our collective efforts.

Member Engagement: Providing ample opportunities for MSF Luxembourg members to actively participate in decision-making processes may enhance ownership and alignment with the broader MSF movement.

Recognition: The efforts of all members should be appreciated so that each member feels motivated toward the overall MSF movement. Regular meetings, end-of-mission interviews, or other face-to-face or virtual gatherings can foster a sense of unity among members."

What makes MSF Luxembourg unique or special within the global movement?

MSF Luxembourg has several unique qualities that reflect both its strong values and its dedicated approach to healthcare. MSF Luxembourg has played an important role in improving access to healthcare, and it also has a deep connection within the Luxembourg community. With a great network of supporters, donors, and volunteers, MSF Luxembourg continues to focus on advocacy and raising awareness, mobilizing support for MSF missions around the globe.

What actions or initiatives do you think could strengthen the sense of community and the bond between members?

A A strong sense of community plays a vital role in strengthening collaboration, trust, and support among our members by creating a positive and productive environment. This includes social events, collaborative projects, inclusive communication platforms, and mentorship programs. By implementing these initiatives, we can further strengthen the sense of community, improve collaboration, and create an environment where members feel supported and valued. This will ultimately lead to higher morale and the long-term success of both our association and its members.

The motion on operational research will be presented at the AGI in 2025. What do you think about this? 

I am fully in favor of the motion that will be presented. The motion covers access to care, quality of care, and, of course, the human resources involved. Operational research is also a crucial tool for us as an association.

What role can operational research and innovation play in improving MSF's humanitarian response?

As an anthropologist, I believe that operational research is a powerful tool that can enable our association to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our humanitarian responses. Operational research involves data collection, data analysis, optimization, and, of course, sample collection. For example, in African countries where malaria is prevalent, we could collect blood samples and send them to a reputable European laboratory for analysis. This process would allow us to draw meaningful conclusions and make more informed decisions. Additionally, operational research can help MSF optimize resource allocation. For instance, it can improve MSF's supply chain, logistics operations, and medical activities. Innovation in humanitarian responses is especially important in Africa. Many regions on the continent are difficult to access, and MSF often faces challenges in delivering supplies. By exploring better transportation solutions for our supply chain, we could improve our ability to reach those in need. Another example is community-based health interventions, which could help MSF save more lives by reaching even the most remote populations.

How do you see the future of MSF Luxembourg in the coming years, and what role would you like to play?

MSF Luxembourg is an essential part of the global MSF movement. In the coming years, I see MSF Luxembourg evolving and adapting to the challenges of a rapidly changing global landscape. This could include improving partnerships with local organizations in Luxembourg and placing more focus on advocating for policies that address the root causes of humanitarian emergencies.I would really love to contribute by bringing my relevant skills such as project management, research, reporting, strategic thinking, and communication to help strengthen MSF Luxembourg. Whether through improving operational efficiency or supporting fundraising efforts, I am eager to help advance the association’s goals.